Rochdale-born presenter Andy Kershaw spent almost three decades working for the corporation, and was best known for his Radio 1 show
13:29, 17 Apr 2026Updated 13:31, 17 Apr 2026
Former BBC Radio 1 and 3 presenter Andy Kershaw(Image: Fiona Hanson/PA Wire)
Former BBC DJ and Live Aid presenter Andy Kershaw has died aged 66, his family has told the BBC. He spent almost three decades working for the corporation, and was best known for his Radio 1 show which ran from 1985 to 2000.
In January, the Rochdale-born presenter said he had been left unable to walk after doctors discovered tumours in his spine last August. His family said he died around 7.30pm on Thursday (April 16).
On his podcast, which served as a “reborn” version of his renowned radio show, he previously shared: “I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast. I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant’n’Dec. That should keep me going for a while.”
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Friend Peter Everett, who produces the Andy Kershaw Podcast, also said at the time: “My friend Andy has been going through a difficult time. Last August he was diagnosed with cancer, mainly affecting his spine and making him unable to walk. Since then he has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and a lot of scans and painkillers.
“Although we’ve not been able to put together any podcasts in the last six months, we are very grateful to all the patrons and supporters who have stuck with us.”
Kershaw started his career at Radio Aire in Leeds as promotions manager forming a partnership with veteran broadcaster Martin Kelner. In 1984 he was asked to present BBC TV’s flagship rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test and the following year he co-presented the BBC’s television coverage of Live Aid.
In January, the Rochdale-born presenter said he had been left unable to walk after doctors discovered tumours in his spine(Image: PA)
He was later hired by Radio 1 as a successor to legendary DJ John Peel. He travelled the world covering conflicts and music and was a regular contributor to Radio 4 and reported on the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. In recent years, he kickstarted The Andy Kershaw Podcast, a fortnightly, independent music show, in 2021 after losing most of his work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kershaw was in a 17-year relationship with Juliette Banner, and the pair had two children together. The couple lived on the Isle of Man before eventually separating.
He later returned to the BBC in 2010 to host its Music Planet programme alongside Lucy Duran, and again in 2020 for a brief stint on Radio 3 presenting The Kershaw Tapes. Kershaw continued his career as a broadcaster in recent years, having launched his own podcast which featured guests such as Robyn Hitchcock, The Burner Band and Martin Carthy.
His sister Liz is also a broadcaster and is one of the longest serving female national radio DJs in the UK, having had a tenure at the BBC for more than 30 years.